The Most Unusual Day Out in Ireland: Rally Driving Experiences in Scotstown
Ask most visitors for ideas for a day out in Ireland and you'll hear the same handful of places over and over. Cliffs, castles, distilleries and pubs are brilliant, but if you want something genuinely different, it's worth heading slightly off the beaten path.
This is exactly where Rally School Ireland enters the picture. Based in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, right on the border with Northern Ireland, the school has been welcoming drivers for over 25 years. You drive the cars yourself, supported by experienced staff.
How Does a Rally Driving Experience Work?
A rally driving experience is a hands-on motorsport day trips from Dublin day where you take control of the car. Instead of watching from the sidelines, you experience the power and the drifts at the wheel.
At the school in Scotstown, drivers aged 13 and over are welcome, and you don't need to have passed a driving test. That makes it a great option for first-timers, teenagers and seasoned drivers alike.
Choose Your Driving Experience
There are options for every level, from first-timers to confirmed rally fans. Here's how they compare:
| Driving Day | Cost | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rally Driving Experience | €295pp | 2–3 hours | 3 cars, 18 laps, 3 stages |
| Rally + Drift Driving Experience | €295pp | 2–3 hours | 3 cars, 18 laps, 3 stages |
| Subaru Rally Experience Adventure | €395pp | 2–4 hours | 4 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages |
| Mustang Driving Experience Adventure | €395pp | 2–4 hours | 4 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages, including a Mustang |
| MK2 Magic Rally Driving Experience | €455 | 2–4 hours | 2 cars, 24 laps, 4 stages, branded jacket |
| Ultimate Rally + Drift Experience | €545pp | 3–5 hours | 6 cars, 36 laps, 6 stages |
| Ultimate Supercar + Rally + Drift Experience | €545pp | 3–5 hours | 6 cars, 36 laps, 6 stages |
| Stage Rally Course | €475pp | 6 hours | Full-day course for aspiring rally drivers |
Prices shown are a guide and can change. Unsure where to start? Phone the team on +353 47 89098 or drop a line to [email protected].
A Day Trip From Dublin or Belfast That's Worth the Drive
We'll be honest: it isn't in the middle of a city. That's exactly the point. It's roughly two hours from both Dublin and Belfast, so it works as a full day out from either city.
- The quieter location means more time at the wheel and less time queuing.
- Pair your visit with a wander around Monaghan and the surrounding area, where there are local hotels and things to see within easy reach.
- Visitors travel from across Ireland and from abroad, and plenty return for a second go.
Gift Experience Days in Ireland: Give Someone a Day Behind the Wheel
Stuck on a gift he'll actually remember? The usual presents rarely stick in the memory. A driving experience gift creates a memory, not clutter.
It's a great fit for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas surprises. And it isn't only for men: anyone who enjoys cars, driving or a bit of adrenaline will have a blast.
The school lets you buy a voucher for a specific driving day, or give them the choice with an open value gift voucher. Both ways, it's a gift that becomes an experience.
Stag Party Ideas in Ireland: Rally Driving for the Lads
Every best man wants an activity with a competitive edge. Rally driving delivers: competition, adrenaline and stories for the speeches before the evening begins. Rally School Ireland hosts stag and hen parties with group packages.
Hen Party Ideas in Ireland: A Day Out With a Difference
A hen party doesn't have to mean cocktails and afternoon tea. If the hens are up for an adventure, a rally or drift driving day breaks the ice and creates stories for the group chat.
Team Building Days in Ireland With Real Energy
Most corporate away days can feel forced or stale. A rally driving day is different: everyone takes part, everyone laughs and nobody sits at the back. The school welcomes company teams and corporate events celebrating success, a milestone or a leaving do.
Rally Driving Experience FAQs
Where is Rally School Ireland located?
It is based in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638, just across from Northern Ireland. The drive from either Dublin or Belfast takes around two hours.
Do I need any driving qualifications or experience?
No driving test is needed, and the minimum age is 13. You don't need any motorsport background, and instructors are on hand to guide you.
How much is a rally driving day?
A half-day rally experience starts at €295 per person, and the full-day ultimate packages are €545 per person. Prices can change, so confirm before booking.
Is this a good present for birthdays or anniversaries?
Yes. Both specific experience vouchers and open value vouchers are available, and it works for almost any occasion.
Do you cater for group bookings?
Absolutely. Group bookings are available for groups of more than 4. Reach out to discuss your requirements, and they'll help plan the day.
Is it worth the drive from Dublin or Belfast?
Yes. The drive is about two hours from Dublin or Belfast, and the school holds a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award for 2024.
Ready to Take the Wheel?
Whether you want a gift that stands out or a day nobody will forget, a rally driving experience in Monaghan is hard to beat. Choose a package and reserve your spot, or get in touch if you're unsure.
Rally School IrelandScotstown, Co. Monaghan, H18 Y638
Phone: +353 47 89098
Email: [email protected]